Subject Plot Symbolism in Armenian Proverbs

The paper deals with symbols expressed in Armenian proverbs. The symbols are treated as axiologically marked images forming the basis of edification manifested in the text. The following criteria of proverbs classification have been discussed: axiologically marked narrative representation techniques, intentional characteristics of edification, ethno-specific peculiarity of the texts analyzed. According to the narrative representation techniques we may contrast proverbs manifested either as staging or as generalization, the intentional charge of the proverbs makes it possible to single out prohibitions, prescriptions, recommendations and observations expressed in the texts, and ethnic specificity of Armenian paroemia consisting in local concretizations of the situations and in a mild ironic coloring typical of them.